Mike Winkeljohn on BJ Penn: “So far, so good”

Niall McGrath

BJ Penn is 3-6-1 in his last ten fights and is coming off (what we were lead to believe was his last outing in the Octagon) a vicious TKO loss to Frankie Edgar at ‘The Ultimate Fighter 19 Finale’ back in July 2014. Now, Penn has decided he wants to get back in the Octagon. The 37 year-old Hawaii native is back training in Alburquerque, New Mexico with Jackson/Winkeljohn MMA Academy.

“So far, so good. It’s one of those things, It’s a slow process. He’s been coming in and checking out the gym.”

The philosophy in Jackson Winkeljohn MMA is very much based towards a family atmosphere, helping one another out in order to progress as a mixed martial artist. Winkeljohn says he hasn’t fully accepted Penn yet, but believes the signs are positive and says penn seems to be adopting their philosophy.

“I’m not paying him too much attention right now because that’s just how I am. We have our own team that is more important to us then bringing on new superstars. I’m a big believer in loyalty and bringing on people that have been around a long time.”

Mike Winkeljohn says BJ’s attitude has been first class since arriving in the facility and hopes they can forge a prominent and successful alliance to help both parties.

“He’s been nothing but courteous, nice, respectful and helping others. I hope that continues and he becomes a big part of this team, so that we can go forward and better his career, with him helping out our gym as well. “

You can listen to the full interview on episode 97 of Talking Brawls MMA.com podcast below.

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